USU lands 3 recruits

Gary Andersen and Utah State have scored again in the recruiting world with three more commitments to the program, all from the junior college ranks.

​First off is Adam Kennedy a 6-foot-5, 210-pound quarterback from San Joaquin Delta Community College in Stockton, California. Kennedy is a pro style passer who will enroll at Utah State in January for the upcoming winter semester.

“I have a lot of respect for Diondre Borel, but we are different players,” Kennedy said. “The coaches recruited me because they know I can run, but it’s not what I like to do first. I’m more of a throw it downfield type of guy.”

Kennedy had an offer from Memphis, and was being recruited by UNLV and Iowa State as well. Kennedy said he committed to the Aggies because he liked how the team is a close-knit group and is ready to win now. ​ ​”Robert Turbin was my host for the visit and we hit it off right away,” Kennedy said. “I went to dinner with everyone and loved the guys.”

With all the returning talent at the skill positions, Kennedy thinks the Aggies are ready to compete at a national level. Though he is excited to get out on the field with the returning skill players, he was made no promises about playing time.

​​”The coaches told me it was an open competition, but it was there for the taking,” Kennedy said. “I’m excited for the competition. It brings out the best in me.”

​Kennedy should challenge incoming freshman Chuckie Keeton at quarterback, and returning sophomore Jeremy Higgins. ​ ​The other two commitments come in the form of Eastern Arizona Community College roommates, Stetson Tenney and Corey Orth. ​ ​Tenney started his career at BYU and made the trip to Logan as a redshirt freshman with the Cougars in 2008. He said he is excited to have the Utah State crowd rooting for him, instead of against him in the coming seasons.

“I think it’s a hidden gem,” Tenney said of Utah State. “I didn’t realize how great of a college town it was until I got up there. ​ ​”Gary Andersen is second to none in player-coach relations,” Tenney continued. “I loved the way he recruited me.”

​Tenney visited Utah State last Saturday and felt he fit well with his fellow offensive linemen and the rest of the team. ​ ​Tenney and Orth are good friends and became somewhat of a package deal. ​ ​”When we first got here (Eastern Arizona), we used to joke about being a package,” Tenney said. “Then it came down to it and it made a huge difference that Utah State offered us both. We both were being recruited by other schools, but liked staying together.”

Tenney is a 6-foot-4, 295-pound offensive tackle, who described his best talent as his quickness in getting off the ball. ​ ​Orth is a 6-foot-5, 263-pound defensive end, who previously played at Wyoming. Orth brings a run-stopping presence to the defensive end position. ​ ​”I’m excited to play in the 4-3 defense,” Orth said. “We played the 3-4 at Wyoming.” ​ ​Orth has not made a trip to Logan yet, but plans to visit over Christmas break with his parents. ​ ​All three players give Andersen and the Aggies depth and will challenge to start next fall at their respective positions. ​​

Kraig is a 2010 Utah State University graduate and regular Deseret News sports blogger. He can be reached at DesNewsKraig@gmail.com or followed on Twitter at DesNewsKraig.